Bonnie “Prince” Billy returns to Big Sur for a two-day music gathering at Fernwood.

Will Oldham, aka Bonnie “Prince” Billy, is a rare, infectiously passionate talent, whose bushy beard had its own ecosystem way before modern hipsters reached puberty. In 2000, the singer-songwriter’s masterful roots-driven “I See a Darkness” was covered by Johnny Cash – Oldham sang the backing vocals – on his Rick Rubin-produced American III: Solitary Man. Oldham’s work has also been performed by Marianne Faithfull and Deer Tick. When Oldham delivers his honest prose in his own voice, a gentle trill that sounds like it’s off an early Hank Williams recording, it inspires.

Now Oldham returns to Big Sur for a weekend of music and camping. Fountainsun (featuring Daniel Higgs and Fumie Ishii), Reverent Sisters, Heron Oblivion and Meg Baird also play. Here’s what Oldham had to say in the runup:

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Any favorite Big Sur memories?

Seeing the Magik Markers play Fernwood in 2008. One of the most transporting performances I can remember.

Another was a show of ours at Henry Miller Library where Dawn McCarthy performed with us. We were playing songs from the Let It Go album and we hadn’t performed them live with Dawn yet. We had started the set when Dawn pulled up and ran on stage and we immediately started playing our songs together. It was the stuff of dreams, for sure. It felt like a pinnacle of my musical life.

Your performance in Kelly Reichardt’s Old Joy is mesmerizing. How do you approach acting?

Acting is a chance for me to release myself into the hands of others. It’s a situation where trust is justified – I have to trust others instead of others trusting me.

What attracted you to acting?

I watched movies as a kid and got a kick out of seeing how actors interacted with each other and connected with their characters. I remember thinking if I want to participate in a expressive community of any sort that would be the route to go.

On “This is My Cocktail” you express a fear of “losing your mind.” Is that your biggest fear?

Losing my mind or watching friends or loved ones losing theirs. All we have is a shared reality.

You’ve never been afraid to explore new musical territory. Is there anything you’re itching to do?

Dance music. I would like to go to a hot and stinky dance club and hear my voice singing and see people dancing.

BONNIE “PRINCE” BILLY WEEKEND Friday, Sept. 25 and Saturday, Sept. 26. Fernwood Resort, 47200 Highway 1, Big Sur. $179/two-day camping. 667-2422, www.folkyeah.com